Appendicitis usually occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. This can be caused by something trapped in the appendix, such as:

A piece of dried stool

A piece of food

Tumors

Scar tissue

Worms

Barium after an exam

Overgrowth of the lymph tissue of the appendix

The lining of the appendix continues to produce mucus. It has no place to go. Bacteria normally found in the intestines build up and make toxins in the lining of the appendix. Pressure builds and causes severe pain in the abdomen. The wall of the appendix can break open. The contents of a ruptured appendix can spill into the abdominal cavity. This causes serious redness and swelling. This is called
peritonitis
. It can be fatal.

Risk Factors

Appendicitis is more common in men and teenagers.

You are at increased risk of developing appendicitis if you have family members who have had appendicitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually happen quickly. Pain usually increases during a 6-12 hour period. Patients may have some or all of the following symptoms:

Pain

Starts as discomfort around the belly button

Usually moves to the right side of the abdomen over several hours

May be in a different location if the appendix is not in the usual place

Appendicitis may be treated by
surgically removing
the appendix as soon as possible. Sometimes the diagnosis is not certain. Your condition will be carefully monitored for 6-12 hours before operating. You will also be given antibiotics to fight infection.

Sometimes appendicitis does not need to be treated with surgery and you will just be given antibiotics.

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent appendicitis. It starts quickly and the cause is usually unknown. Get medical care right away for severe abdominal pain. It will decrease the risk of rupture.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.